Katheryn L. ‘Kate’ Burgess, 93

By editor

Created 01/03/2014 - 12:19

Katheryn L. ‘Kate’ Burgess, 93, a resident of Perry Township, crossed over to heaven with her loving children beside her on Jan. 1, 2014, at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
Kate was born on Sept. 25, 1920, in Van Wert, and graduated from Ridge High School. She held a teaching degree from Ohio Northern University and was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. Children and teaching were two of her many passions and she enjoyed 20 rewarding years as a teacher; one year with the Perry School and the remaining 19 years as a teacher at Cridersville Elementary School.
In 1976, Kate was selected as the Outstanding Leader in Elementary and Secondary Education for the Wapakoneta City Schools.

Kate wholeheartedly lived her life and was an active member of Perry United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years, and was president and treasurer for the United Methodist Women. She was a 4-H advisor for Perry Homemakers, a member of the Farmer’s Bureau in Grange, Ohio, a member of the Retired Teachers Association and Perry Township Historical Society. She also sang at nursing homes with the Bells and Bows.
She was proud to be the only girl of six brothers born to the late Darrel Elza and Chloe Pearl (Webb) Prior. Kate married John ‘Howard’ Burgess on July 29, 1939, and for over 68 years they cultivated their love for God, their farmland and family together.

Kate will forever be remembered and cherished by those that were fortunate to know and love her.
Her legacy lives in her children, Joyce (Ronald) Camper, John (Rose) Burgess and Faye (Phil) Fletcher, all of Lima. Her grandchildren: Mark Camper, Kim Rowland, Rick (Deb) Camper, Lisa (Denny) Gross, Connie (Rusty) Rush, Chris (LouAnn) Burgess, Brandon (Amanda) Burgess, Rob Fletcher, John Fletcher and Justen Fletcher, all of Lima, and Lura (Jeff) Sandy of Hilliard. She is also survived by 19 great—grandchildren, 14 great—great—grandchildren, brother Richard (Jane) Prior of Palm Springs, Calif., sister-in-laws, Dortha Prior of Van Wert and Helaine Prior of Indian lake, and brother-in-law Robert (Ruth) Burgess of Lima.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Howard Burgess, who died on June 24, 2006, and siblings: Henry (Wanda) Prior, Herbert (Loralie) Prior, Darrell Prior, Jr., John (Barb) Prior, Raymond Prior and her late husband’s sister, Anna Mary (Wilson) Naas.

Kate lived her life for God, cherished her family and had the highest respect for her country and servicemen/women. She loved laughing, playing cards, fishing, gardening, cooking, watching hummingbirds from her kitchen window and spending precious time with her family and friends.
The ladies of the family will long remember the treasured times of the yearly slumber parties and tea parties. Many generations of children from Perry Township will remember her for dressing up on Halloween and passing out homemade popcorn balls. Kate touched the lives of many people and she found great happiness in the simple moments in life.

A funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Perry United Methodist Church, with Pastor Alex Wiles and Pastor Dave Burkhart officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery, north of Uniopolis.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, in Cridersville, and an hour prior to services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perry United Methodist Church, 3250 E. Breese Road, in Lima, 45806.
Condolences may be shared at www.Bayliff[1] AndSon.com